Dear Anna (my best friend who has also been performing all her life),
In my theatre diversity class we recently just saw a play that was designed for a TV program with a powerful message, and I think you would appreciate the content and execution of this production. Not only was the show meaningful, it's performed entirely by one woman. The show delves into the riots and racial tension between the black and Jewish communities within Crown Heights, New York, all stemming from the murder of a little black boy who was hit by a Jewish driver, and ultimately results in the stabbing of a Jewish man. It is a fascinating play, written entirely from interviews from the people involved in this incident, creating a moving piece as each line is a truthful opinion of a real person. The actress for this show conducted the interviews herself, and portrayed each individual person. With the assistance of wigs, costuming, and slight set pieces, she completely embodied each character, bringing the words of these people and the events that took place in Crown Heights to life.
As interesting as this play is to watch as you are mesmerized by how the main actress transforms into these different characters, the message of the show is truly what sits with you once you are finished watching. This show really delves into the issue of racism between neighbors, between two minority groups within a community, a topic that is often glossed over. If I was interviewed for this play, I think I would have shared how important it is to lean on one another in a community, celebrating differences and embracing one another as neighbors and friends. Your community is your home, where you live and breathe and grow, and it is of the highest importance to feel safe and supported by those around you. I find it devastating to imagine such a strong rift separating the African American and Jewish communities, when there is so much each group could learn from one another, and share together. I ultimately would say that I hope for a brighter future, a future in which this community embraces one another with open arms, rejoicing and learning from our differences rather than letting them tear us apart.
I miss you dearly, can't wait to visit you soon!
Much love,
Madi
In my theatre diversity class we recently just saw a play that was designed for a TV program with a powerful message, and I think you would appreciate the content and execution of this production. Not only was the show meaningful, it's performed entirely by one woman. The show delves into the riots and racial tension between the black and Jewish communities within Crown Heights, New York, all stemming from the murder of a little black boy who was hit by a Jewish driver, and ultimately results in the stabbing of a Jewish man. It is a fascinating play, written entirely from interviews from the people involved in this incident, creating a moving piece as each line is a truthful opinion of a real person. The actress for this show conducted the interviews herself, and portrayed each individual person. With the assistance of wigs, costuming, and slight set pieces, she completely embodied each character, bringing the words of these people and the events that took place in Crown Heights to life.
As interesting as this play is to watch as you are mesmerized by how the main actress transforms into these different characters, the message of the show is truly what sits with you once you are finished watching. This show really delves into the issue of racism between neighbors, between two minority groups within a community, a topic that is often glossed over. If I was interviewed for this play, I think I would have shared how important it is to lean on one another in a community, celebrating differences and embracing one another as neighbors and friends. Your community is your home, where you live and breathe and grow, and it is of the highest importance to feel safe and supported by those around you. I find it devastating to imagine such a strong rift separating the African American and Jewish communities, when there is so much each group could learn from one another, and share together. I ultimately would say that I hope for a brighter future, a future in which this community embraces one another with open arms, rejoicing and learning from our differences rather than letting them tear us apart.
I miss you dearly, can't wait to visit you soon!
Much love,
Madi